The body has an amazing ability to heal, repair and revitalize itself, but it can occasionally use an assist from a natural healing art such as reflexology, which is based on the idea that there are specific reflex points on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands that correspond with every major organ, gland and area of the body. Using fingers and thumbs, the practitioner applies alternating pressure to these points to treat a wide range of health problems. This natural approach to rebalancing and encouraging the internal healing process is a complementary therapy that is sometimes used in conjunction with other modalities, such as massage and aromatherapy.

“If you’re feeling out of kilter, don’t know why or what about, let your feet reveal the answer, find the sore spot, work it out,” was the personal philosophy of Eunice D. Ingham, who created the world-renowned Ingham Method, considered the Rolls-Royce of reflexology. Ingham, who worked alongside her mentor, Dr. Joe Shelby Riley, researched and documented the theories and techniques used today by more than 25,000 reflexologists throughout the world.

A reflexologist’s experienced hands feel for grittiness, sponginess, lumps, hard spots and callous formations. Responses to reflexology vary widely, from feelings of calm and sleepiness to a sense of renewed energy and rejuvenation.

For more information and a list of nationally certified reflexologists, visit the American Reflexology Certification Board at arcb.net.

 

Local Reflexology Resources

C. Robyn Berry, RB Institute, Inc., 13601 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 13, Fort Myers. 239-939-4646. RobynBerry.com.

Sheila Pane Gasser. 239-431-0269. MassageBonita.com.

Jenifer Hunlock. 239-287-9113.

Alvina Quatrano, Holistic Healing Arts, 3323 Olympic Drive, Suite 722, Naples. 732-266-5276. TheArtOfHolisticMassage.com.

Ultimate Relaxation, Coastland Center Mall, 1950 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. 239-793-8888. MyUltimateRelaxation.com.